Can Balloon Sinuplasty Fix My Allergies?
Allergies are frustrating to plan around, since the symptoms they cause can make it hard to get anything done. Constant congestion, sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes can easily become overwhelming. Worse still, allergies can develop into sinusitis which has its own set of fatiguing symptoms.
How Allergies Cause Sinusitis
The immune system responds to allergens by overproducing chemicals called histamines which cause inflammation. Inflammation usually helps healing by allowing white blood cells to more easily reach injured areas. Without a target to “heal” in an allergic response, inflammation can take time to subside. Allergens can include pollen, pet dander, and dust which can be hard to avoid. Sinusitis can occur as consistent exposure to allergens pushes inflammation further up into the sinuses.
How to Treat Sinusitis from Allergies
Sinusitis can be treated in a few different ways depending on its severity. Generally, mild sinusitis is managed with over the counter medications such as nasal sprays, decongestants, and pain relievers. Allergic sinusitis has the additional wrinkle of managing the allergic response. The same OTC medications that manage sinusitis can manage allergic symptoms, but doesn’t stop the root problem. This lingering inflammation can cause a cycle of recurrent symptoms that leads to chronic sinusitis.
Balloon Sinuplasty for Allergic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis tends to be more severe and usually requires surgery to properly eliminate. Sinus surgery can seem daunting, but recent advancements have made a less invasive option available called balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty allows for reshaping of sinus openings without requiring any incisions. This allows backed up mucus and debris to drain allowing inflammation to subside.
Once backed up debris is cleared out, the sinuses can heal more easily. Allergic reactions will be slightly easier to deal with for a while, but sinusitis can recur. Treating allergies before they cause chronic sinusitis is an important thing to consider. An allergist can prescribe medications that lessen the severity of the reaction, or provide immunotherapy to help limit the allergic reaction to begin with.
In Conclusion
Sinusitis is one symptom of allergies, and there are a few ways to deal with it. A balloon sinuplasty won’t cure you of your allergies, but it can make dealing with the symptoms a lot easier. An ENT can help you decide if a balloon sinuplasty is right for you and even refer you to an allergist for treatment options for your allergies.
